Vascular hole closure delivery device

ABSTRACT

A surgical delivery instrument for delivering a vascular hole closure device having first and second flexible members and a first and second engagement members extending from the respective flexible member. The delivery instrument includes a housing having first and second longitudinally extending openings and first and second projecting surfaces, the first projecting surface extending into the first opening for engagement by the first engagement member and the second projecting surface extending into the second opening for engagement by the second engagement member. The first engagement member is held by the first projecting surface until a predetermined force is applied to the first engagement member during placement of the closure device at a target site.

This application claims priority from application Ser. No. 61/409,599,filed Nov. 3, 2010 is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.12/854,988, filed Aug. 12, 2010, which claims priority from provisionalapplication No. 61/241,555, filed Sep. 11, 2009 and is a continuation inpart of application Ser. No. 12/358,411, filed Jan. 23, 2009 whichclaims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61/066,072, filedFeb. 15, 2008. The entire contents of each of these applications areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This application relates to a delivery device for a vascular device andmore particularly to a delivery device for a vascular hole closuredevice.

2. Background of Related Art

During certain types of vascular surgery, catheters are inserted throughan incision in the skin and underlying tissue to access the femoralartery in the patient's leg. The catheter is then inserted through theaccess opening made in the wall of the femoral artery and guided throughthe artery to the desired site to perform surgical procedures such asangioplasty or plaque removal. After the surgical procedure is completedand the catheter is removed from the patient, the access hole must beclosed. This is quite difficult not only because of the high blood flowfrom the artery, but also because there are many layers of tissue thatmust be penetrated to reach the femoral artery.

Several approaches to date have been used to close femoral access holes.In one approach, manual compression by hand over the puncture site isaugmented by a sandbag or weight until the blood coagulates. With thisapproach, it can take up to six hours for the vessel hole to close andfor the patient to be able to ambulate. This inefficiency increases thesurgical procedure time as well as the overall cost of the proceduresince the hospital staff must physically maintain pressure and thepatient's discharge is delayed because of the inability to ambulate.

In another approach to close the vessel puncture site, a clamp isattached to the operating table and the patient's leg. The clamp appliespressure to the vessel opening. The patient, however, must still bemonitored to ensure the blood is coagulating, requiring additional timeof the hospital staff and increasing the cost of the procedure.

To avoid the foregoing disadvantages of manual pressure approaches,suturing devices have been developed. One such suturing device, sold byAbbott, advances needles adjacent the vessel wall opening and pullssuture material outwardly through the wall adjacent the opening. Thesurgeon then ties a knot in the suture, closing the opening. Onedifficulty with the procedure involves the number of steps required bythe surgeon to deploy the needles, capture the suture, withdraw thesuture, and tie the knot and secure the suture. Moreover, the surgeoncannot easily visualize the suture because of the depth of the femoralartery (relative to the skin) and essentially ties the suture knotblindly or blindly slips a pre-tied knot into position. Additionally,the ability to tie the knot varies among surgeons; therefore success andaccuracy of the hole closure can be dependent on the skill of thesurgeon. Yet another disadvantage of this suturing instrument is thatthe vessel opening is widened for insertion of the instrument, thuscreating a bigger opening to close in the case of failure to deliver theclosure system. It is also difficult to pass the needle throughcalcified vessels.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,364 discloses another approach for sealing a vesselpuncture in the form of a device having an expandable closure memberwith a filament for pulling it against the vessel wall. The closuremember is held in place by a strip of tape placed on the skin to holdthe filament in place. However, the closure device is still subject tomovement which can cause leakage through the puncture. Additionally, ifthe suture becomes loose, the closure member is not retained and canflow downstream in the vessel. Moreover, since the suture extendsthrough the skin, a potential pathway for infection is created. Theclosure device in U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,178 includes a resorbable collagenfoam plug located within the puncture tract. However, since coagulationtypically takes up to twenty minutes and blood can leak in between theplug and tissue tract, manual pressure must be applied to the puncturefor a period of time, until the collagen plug expands within the tract.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a device which would morequickly and effectively close openings (punctures) in vessel walls. Suchdevice would advantageously avoid the aforementioned time and expense ofapplying manual pressure to the opening, simplify the steps required toclose the opening, avoid widening of the opening, and more effectivelyretain the closure device in the vessel.

Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,662,161 discloses effective vascularhole closure devices which have the foregoing advantages. It would befurther advantageous to provide a vascular hole closure device which isadjustable to accommodate different tissue thicknesses and applies amore constant clamping/retaining force between the intravascular andextravascular components of the device irrespective of tissue thickness.Such adjustability is achieved in the vascular hole closure devices ofcopending commonly assigned application Ser. No. 12/854,988, filed Aug.12, 2010, (hereinafter the '988 application) published as 2011/0029013,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The need exists for an effective delivery device to deliver the closuredevice of the '988 application to the target site to close the vascularaccess hole.

SUMMARY

The present invention in one aspect provides a surgical deliveryinstrument for delivering a vascular hole closure device having a firstflexible member and a first engagement member extending therefrom and asecond flexible member having a second engagement member extendingtherefrom. The delivery instrument includes a housing having first andsecond longitudinally extending openings and first and second projectingsurfaces, the first projecting surface extending into the first openingfor engagement by the first engagement member and the second projectingsurface extending into the second opening for engagement by the secondengagement member. The first engagement member is held by the firstprojecting surface until a predetermined force is applied to the firstengagement member during placement of the closure device at a targetsite.

In a preferred embodiment, the second engagement member is held by thesecond projecting surface until a predetermined force is applied to thesecond engagement member during placement of the closure device at thetarget site.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second flexible members of theclosure device are sutures and the delivery instrument further comprisesa cutting member positioned within the housing for severing the sutures.

In some embodiments, the delivery instrument further includes a firstchannel communicating with the first longitudinally extending openingand a second channel communicating with the second longitudinallyextending opening, the first and second channels formed in a wallextending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the first and secondlongitudinally extending openings.

The delivery instrument can further include a third projecting surfaceextending into the first longitudinally extending opening and axiallyspaced from the first projecting surface, and a fourth projectingsurface extending into the second longitudinally extending opening andaxially spaced from the second projecting surface. In some embodiments,a) the first engagement member is engageable with the first projectingsurface when a first force is applied and subsequently engageable withthe third projecting surface when a subsequent force is applied and b)the second engagement member is engageable with the second projectingsurface when a second force is applied and subsequently engageable withthe fourth projecting surface when a subsequent force is applied.

In some embodiments, the flexible members are sutures and the first andsecond engagement members are positioned on a proximal portion of therespective suture. In some embodiments, the first and second engagementmembers are substantially spherical in configuration.

In another aspect, the present invention provides in combination avascular hole closure device and a delivery instrument for deliveringthe vascular hole closure device. The vascular hole closure device has acovering member at a distal end for positioning internal a vessel, afirst retainer for positioning external of the vessel, a first flexiblemember extending between the covering member and first retainer and afirst engagement member at a proximal portion of the flexible member.The delivery instrument includes a housing having a first stop, thefirst engagement member engageable with the first stop and overridingthe first stop when a predetermined proximal force is applied to thedelivery instrument.

In some embodiments, the housing of the delivery instrument includes alumen in which the first engagement member travels during delivery, andthe first stop includes an abutment member in the form of a projectingsurface extending transversely of the lumen.

In some embodiments, the delivery instrument includes a cutting memberto sever the first flexible member upon delivery of the hole closuredevice to a surgical site.

Preferably, the closure device has a second retainer and a secondflexible member extending between the second retainer and coveringmember. The delivery instrument can include a second stop, the secondengagement member engageable with the second stop and overriding thesecond stop when a predetermined proximal force is applied to thedelivery instrument. Preferably, pulling of the first flexible memberadvances the first retainer toward the covering member and pulling ofthe second flexible member advances the second retainer toward thecovering member.

In preferred embodiments, the covering member, first and secondretainers and first and second flexible members are composed of aresorbable material.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of deliveringa vascular hole closure device, the method comprising:

providing a vascular hole closure device having a covering member, afirst retainer, a first flexible member extending between the coveringmember and first retainer and a first engagement member extending fromthe first flexible member;

providing a delivery instrument containing the first flexible member;

inserting a distal portion of the delivery instrument into the vessel;

exposing the covering member for placement inside the vessel;

moving the delivery instrument proximally until the first engagementmember is forced pass a first stop and comes into contact with a secondstop within the delivery instrument to move the first retainer towardthe covering member.

In preferred embodiments, the closure device includes a second retainerand a second flexible member extending between the covering member andsecond retainer, and moving the delivery instrument proximally moves asecond engagement member extending from the second flexible member intoa contact with a third stop within the delivery instrument to move thesecond retainer toward the covering member.

In some embodiments, proximal movement of the delivery instrument causesthe first flexible member to be severed.

In some embodiments, the covering member is pivotable between a morelongitudinal orientation for delivery and a transverse position forplacement.

In some embodiments, further proximal movement of the deliveryinstrument moves the second engagement member past the third stop andinto contact with a fourth stop within the delivery instrument.

In some embodiments, proximal movement of the delivery instrument causesthe first engagement member to slide within a channel of a channelhousing to enable the first flexible member to contact a cutting memberpositioned within the tubular member to sever the first flexible member.In some embodiments, such proximal movement also severs the secondflexible member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are described hereinwith reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the hole closuredelivery instrument of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a an exploded view of the delivery instrument of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of the channel housing;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the bump housing and channelhousing of the delivery instrument, illustrating the retainers of theclosure device in the initial position;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 showingthe position of the first retainer;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 showingthe position of the second retainer;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating initialproximal movement of the housing of the delivery instrument to advancethe first retainer of the closure device toward the covering member;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view illustrating the suture position of FIG.7;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section ofFIG. 6 to show movement of the second retainer, the Figure illustratingfurther proximal movement of the housing of the delivery instrument toadvance the second retainer of the closure device toward the coveringmember;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating the suture position of FIG.8;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating furtherproximal movement of the housing of the delivery instrument to advancethe second retainer of the closure device further toward the coveringmember;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating the suture position of FIG.9;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating furtherproximal movement of the housing of the delivery instrument to advancethe first retainer of the closure device further toward the coveringmember;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view illustrating the suture position of FIG.10;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bump housing and a partial cut awayview of the channel housing illustrating exiting of the suture from thebump housing;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11 illustrating movementof the engagement members along the channel and the sutures coming intocontact with the cutting blade; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bump housing and channel housingwith the sutures severed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in detail to the drawings where like reference numeralsidentify similar or like components throughout the several views, thepresent application is directed to a delivery device for delivering avascular hole (aperture) closure device of the present invention. Theclosure device is intended to close an aperture in the vessel wall,typically formed after removal of a catheter previously inserted throughthe vessel wall into the vessel lumen for performing angioplasty orother interventional procedures. The aperture extends through thepatient's skin and underlying tissue, through the external wall of thevessel, through the wall of the vessel, and through the internal wall ofthe vessel to communicate with the internal lumen of the vessel. Theclosure device of the present invention has an intravascular componentto block blood flow and an extravascular component to retain theintravascular component.

The closure device is illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 in various stages ofdelivery and is described in more detail in patent application Ser. No.12/854,988, filed Aug. 12, 2010, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. The closure device includes a coveringmember or patch 104 positioned within the vessel against the internalwall of the vessel to block blood flow and two retainers 110, 112positioned external of the vessel wall to retain the covering member 104in its blocking position. Each retainer 110, 112 is preferably sphericalin configuration (although other configurations are contemplated) and isfixedly attached to a respective suture 122, 120, such that pulling ofthe respective suture advances the attached retainer toward the coveringmember 104 to ultimately position the retainers 110, 112 in a side byside relationship either against or adjacent the external surface of thevessel wall.

Covering member 104, preferably elongated in configuration as shown, isretained in a delivery sheath in a longitudinal position for delivery tothe vessel, and then pivots to a transverse position within the vessellumen (substantially perpendicular to an axis extending through theaperture) for orientation to cover (patch) the vessel aperture on theinternal side. This movement is illustrated in FIGS. 37A-37D of U.S.Pat. No. 7,662,161, the entire contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference (hereinafter the '161 patent).

The elongated covering member 104 functions to cover (patch) theinternal opening in the vessel wall to prevent the egress of blood. Thecovering member 104 is preferably somewhat oval shaped with elongatedsubstantially parallel side walls 106 a, 106 b, and end walls 108, 108 bconnecting the side walls 106 a, 106 b. Other shapes of the coveringmember are also contemplated. The end walls 106 a, 106 b can havesubstantially straight wall portions, or curved wall portions. Coveringmember preferably has a thicker region in the central region than thefirst and second end regions. Other dimensions are also contemplated.

The longitudinal axis of covering member 104 defines a lengthwisedimension and transverse axes define a shorter widthwise dimensions. Thewidthwise dimension of the covering member 104 is preferably, for a 6 Frdevice, in the range of about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, and morepreferably about 3.1 mm. Other dimensions are also contemplated. Thewidth preferably is at least substantially equal to the dimension of theinternal opening in the vessel wall to effectively cover the opening. Ina preferred embodiment, the covering member 40 has a length in the rangeof about 7.5 mm to about 9 mm (in a 6 French system), and preferablyabout 8 mm.

It should be appreciated that alternatively the covering member could beprovided with an enlarged width region as illustrated in the embodimentof FIG. 1 of the '161 patent. The covering member could also beconfigured asymmetrically so that the enlarged region is off-centered toaccommodate widening of the aperture as the member is pulled at anangle. The covering member could also be configured in a paddle shapewith a narrowed region adjacent a wider region as in FIGS. 9B-9E of the'161 patent. Other covering member configurations including thosedisclosed in the '161 patent could be utilized with the retainers ofthis present application.

The elongated covering member can be composed of materials such aspolycarbonate or polyurethane. Preferably it is composed of resorbablematerials such as lactide/glycolide copolymers that after a period oftime resorb in the body. If composed of resorbable material, thecovering member could optionally have regions of varying resorbability.Varying degrees of resorbability can be achieved for example byutilizing different materials having differing resorbablecharacteristics or by varying the mass of the covering member (increasedmass increases resorbtion time).

Spherical retainers 110, 112 are preferably composed of resorbablematerial. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of each retainer 110,112 is about 0.090 inches to about 0.095 inches, although otherdimensions are contemplated. Although shown as spheres, other shapesincluding other rounded shapes are also contemplated. The retainerscould alternatively be made of non-absorbable polymeric or metallicmaterial.

When the retainers 110, 112 are released from the delivery instrument,they are spaced further from the covering member 104. They are thenconfigured to be advanced toward the covering member 104. Morespecifically, each retainer 110, 112 is fixedly secured to a respectiveflexible connecting member such as suture 120, 122. Sutures 120, 122 arepreferably made of polymeric material and are preferably resorbable,composed of a material such as polydioxanome. It is also contemplatedthat alternatively a metallic material could be utilized. The sutures,retainers and covering member can be made of the same or differentresorbable material, and/or have the same or different resorption times.

Details of the hole closure device as well as various embodiments of thedevice are shown and described in the '988 patent application previouslyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Suture 120 has a proximal end 120 a and an opposite end secured toretainer 112 by molding, gluing, forming a knot, or other methods.Similarly, suture 122 has a proximal end 122 a and an opposite endsecured to retainer 110 in any of the foregoing manners. Various methodsof attachment are shown and described in the '988 application.

To advance the retainers 110, 112 toward the vessel wall (and coveringmember), the proximal end of each suture 122, 120 is pulled proximally,thereby moving the respective retainer in the opposite direction closerto the aperture and vessel wall. This is described in detail below inconjunction with the delivery instrument. Note that once the retainers110, 112 are tightened against the tissue, a sufficient retention forceis maintained, i.e. a proximal pulling force on the covering member 104to pull it slightly proximally against the vessel wall. The retainers110, 112 therefore help to prevent the covering member 104 fromseparating from the vessel wall (e.g. moving in the direction toward theopposing vessel wall) which could create an unwanted gap between thecovering member 104 and the vessel opening to allow blood flow. Theextent to which the retainers 110, 112 move toward the wall (and thustheir distance from the vessel wall in their final placement position)will depend on the tissue thickness. Thus, the closure device can adjustfor different tissue thicknesses and apply a constant retention forceregardless of tissue thickness.

The covering member 104 has a first pair of holes and a second pair ofholes. The first pair of holes 116, 117 receive suture 120 and thesecond pair of holes 119, 114 receive suture 122. Holes 114, 117 have asmaller diameter than holes 116, 119. The larger hole 116 is dimensionedto receive suture 120 for free unrestricted movement of the suture 120therethrough and therefore easier application of spherical retainer 112.Similarly, the larger hole 119 is dimensioned to receive suture 122 forfree unrestricted movement of the suture 122 therethrough and thereforefor easier application (movement) of spherical retainer 110. Smallerhole 114 is dimensioned to frictionally engage suture 122 so thattension is applied to the suture 122. It is dimensioned so that thesuture 122 can be pulled through the hole 114 if sufficient force isapplied by pulling on proximal end 122 a, but if such predeterminedforce is not applied, the suture will remain frictionally engaged withinthe wall of the opening 114 and not move. In this manner, when tensionon proximal end 122 a is terminated, the suture 122 and thus thespherical retainer 110 will remain in position. Suture 120 operates in asimilar manner, with smaller opening 117 dimensioned to frictionallyengage and resist movement of the suture 120 to retain sphericalretainer 112 in position. Preferably, each hole 114, 117 has an inwardlyangled wall transitioning into a reduced diameter region and anoutwardly angled wall transitioning back to a larger diameter. Theangled walls facilitate movement of the suture when tension is applied,with the reduced diameter region frictionally securing the suture. Hole117 has a similar configuration as hole 114 and thus also containssimilar angled walls. In this manner, when tension on proximal end 120 aand on proximal end 122 a is terminated, the respective suture 120 and122 and thus the respective spherical retainer 112 and 110 will remainin position.

A crimp or a bead can be attached to the suture, or a knot formed in thesuture, creating a diameter larger than the diameter of portion withinthe retainer which forms a shoulder to block movement of the respectivespherical retainer 110 or 112. Consequently, this frictional engagementprevents the respective retainer from sliding in the direction away fromthe covering member 104 while the shoulder prevents the retainer fromsliding in the direction toward the covering member 104. The retainer112 and suture 120 preferably have the same structure andengagement/retention as retainer 110 and suture 122.

Note that during delivery the covering member 104 emerges from thedelivery sheath and moves from a tilted position, more aligned or inpreferred embodiments substantially aligned with the longitudinal axisof the sheath, to a transverse position within the vessel substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.

As can be appreciated, after delivery of the covering member 104 insidethe vessel, covering member 104 is pulled proximally to abut theinternal opening on the internal side of the vessel to cover (patch) theopening and the sutures extend through the opening in the vessel wall.Note that in the delivery position, the retainers 110 and 112 arepreferably in a stacked relationship within the delivery instrument tominimize the transverse dimension of the delivery system.

Then, to retain the covering member 104 in position against the vesselwall to block blood flow therethrough, sutures 120, 122 are pulledproximally from their proximal ends 120 a, 122 a, thereby advancing theretainers 112, 110 toward the vessel wall and covering member 104. Theretainers 112, 110 can be moved to a position contiguous to the vesselwall, or depending on tissue thickness, may be adjacent the wall withsome tissue interposed between the retainers and vessel wall. Theretainers 110, 112 in this position apply a proximal force on theelongated covering member 104 to limit movement of the covering member104 into the vessel. The retainers in this placement position arepreferably in a substantially side by side relationship. The instrumentof the present invention for delivering these elements to the targetsite to close the vessel opening is described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the side by side relationship, the retainers110, 112 are alongside in a transverse orientation with respect tocovering member 104. That is, they are positioned along the width of thecovering member 104. However, it is also contemplated that the retainersin the placement position can be in a lengthwise orientation(substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coveringmember). The retainers could also be in other side by side arrangementsat angles to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the retainers can bepartially stacked in the placement position.

Turning now to the delivery instrument of the present invention and withinitial reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the delivery instrument isdesignated generally by reference numeral 10 and includes a handle orhousing 12 and an elongated tube 14 extending distally from the handle12. Closure device 100 is shown outside the delivery instrument 10 inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The delivery instrument for inserting the closure device extends throughan opening in the patient's skin, through the underlying tissue, throughan external opening in the vessel wall, through the aperture in thevessel wall, and through an internal opening on the internal side of thevessel wall into the vessel lumen.

Elongated tube 14 can include a flared distal end to facilitate deliveryof the closure device.

The handle housing 12 includes a bump housing 16 with longitudinallyextending substantially parallel openings or lumens 20, 22, 24 and 26.Openings 20 and 22 receive suture 120 and openings 24 and 26 receivesuture 122 of closure device 100. As shown in FIG. 4, suture 120 loopsat loop 121 from opening 20 into opening 22 and suture 122 loops at loop127 from opening 24 to opening 26.

Contained within the bump housing 28 are a series of stops in the formof projecting members or abutment members which provide resistance tomovement of the sutures 120, 122. In the illustrated embodiment, theabutment/projecting members are each in the form of a bump extendingtransversely into the longitudinally extending opening. This resistanceis achieved by the provision of an engagement member at the proximalportion of suture 120 and suture 122.

More specifically, an engagement member 129, illustrativelysubstantially spherical in configuration, although other shapes arecontemplated, is positioned at the proximal end 120 a of suture 120.Similarly, an engagement member 131, illustratively substantiallyspherical in configuration, although other shapes are contemplated, ispositioned at the proximal end 122 a of suture 122. Engagement members129, 131 can be attached by methods such as crimping, tying a knot,overmolding, etc. and are configured to engage bumps on the bump housing16 to provide resistance to suture movement. As noted above, openings20, 22, 24 and 26 preferably extend longitudinally along the length ofthe bump housing 16, i.e. from the proximal to the distal end.

A first set of bumps 32, 36 extend into longitudinal openings 24, 26,respectively, (see e.g. FIGS. 3 and 5) and a second set of bumps 34, 38extend into longitudinal openings 20, 22, respectively (see e.g. FIGS. 6and 8) which form stops as described below.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 2A and 4, a channel housing 40 has a proximalregion 42 and a region 44, which is illustratively substantiallysemi-circular in cross-section, extending distally therefrom. Angledwall 46 of proximal region 40 is positioned at an angle to the wall 45of region 44, and illustratively at an obtuse angle. Wall 45 extendssubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the deliveryinstrument. A first channel 48 has a first portion 48 a extendinglongitudinally within region 44 (substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis) and an angled portion 48 b extending along angledwall 46 transverse to the longitudinal axis of region 44. A secondchannel 50, substantially parallel to first channel 48, extends alongregions 42 and 44. Channel 50 has a first portion 50 a extending withinregion 44 and an angled portion 50 b extending along angled wall 46transverse to the longitudinal axis of region 44. Channels 48 and 50terminate in distal openings 49, 51, respectively.

A cutting blade 60 is attached to channel housing 40 by pins 62,although other ways of attachment are also contemplated. As shown, blade60 has a substantially planar surface 64 with an angled cutting edge 66at a proximal edge.

Inner assembly 70 extends within housing 12 and tubular portion 14 andincludes a threaded housing 72 and cap 80 as shown in FIG. 2. Threads 75of housing 72 threadingly engage inner threads of cap 80. In certainembodiments, cap 80 is not provided, i.e. housing 72 is seated andsecured in housing 12 without the cap 80. Inner shaft 74 extendsdistally from housing 72 within tube 14, preferably terminating at adistal end adjacent the distal end of the shaft 14. Spring 77 biases theassembly 70 in a proximal direction to hold and maintain the sutures120, 122 taut.

The use of the delivery device 10 to deliver hole closure device 100will now be described. In the initial position, the retainers 110 and112 are positioned within inner shaft 74 which is received withinelongated tube 14. Covering member 104 in this embodiment extendsoutside of the shaft 74 and tube 14 in the initial position and ismaintained in a tilted delivery position by the delivery sheath throughwhich delivery device 10 is inserted. However, it should be appreciatedthat in some embodiments, the covering member 104 can also be positionedin the shaft 74 or tube 14. In the initial position, projections 129 and131 of sutures 120, 122, respectively, are out of engagement with therespective bumps on the bump housing 16 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

Delivery device is inserted through a delivery sheath (not shown). In apreferred embodiment, device 10 is introduced through the deliverysheath such that the covering member 104, which extends outside theshaft 14, is placed inside the delivery sheath. To facilitate suchinsertion, a tube can be placed at the proximal end of the deliverysheath though which the covering member 104 is inserted.

The delivery device 10 is inserted through the delivery sheath,extending through the skin, the tissue puncture tract extending to thevessel wall, and through the vessel wall into the vessel lumen. In thisposition, deployment of the closure device 100 can now be initiated.

To deploy the closure device 100, the delivery device 10 is moveddistally with respect to the delivery sheath to free the covering member104 from the confines of the delivery sheath. Once exposed, the coveringmember 104 pivots within the vessel lumen from a first delivery positionmore aligned with the longitudinal axis of the delivery sheath to atransverse placement position.

The delivery device 10 is then retracted proximally to place thecovering member 104 against the internal side of the opening in thevessel wall to patch or cover the vessel wall opening to prevent egressof fluid. Further proximal movement of the delivery device will thendeploy the retainers 110, 112 to secure the hole closure device asdescribed below. FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 show the initial position of thesutures 122 and 120 when the covering member 104 is initially insertedinto the vessel lumen.

When the delivery device is retracted such that the covering member 104abuts the internal vessel wall as mentioned above, further retraction ofthe delivery device will deploy the retainers 110, 112 as follows. Ininitial movement, suture 122 is pulled proximally such that engagementmember 131 of suture 122 is moved into abutment/engagement with bump 32as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A. (Note the force of covering member 104against the vessel wall provides a counterforce such that proximalmovement of the delivery device and sutures 120, 122 cause distalmovement of the retainers 110, 112 attached to the sutures 122, 120).The pulling (tensioning) of the suture 122 causes retainer 110, attachedto the opposing end of suture 122, to move toward the covering member104 as shown in FIG. 7. Note that the engagement member 129 of suture120 is not yet engaged with bump 34 of bump housing 30. Thus, in thisposition, bump 32 provides a stop to restrict movement of the suture122. This bump 32 also provides a tactile feel to the user to indicatethat retainer 110 has moved a substantial distance toward coveringmember 104.

When delivery device 10 is pulled further proximally with respect to thedelivery sheath it pulls (tensions) suture 120 proximally to moveretainer 112 toward covering member 104 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A. Suchmovement continues until engagement member 129 abuts/engages bump 34.Bump 34 thereby provides a stop to limit movement of the suture 120.Bump 34 also provides a tactile feel to the user to indicate thatretainer 112 has moved a substantial distance toward covering member104. Note that engagement member 131 has already overcome bump 32 and isno longer in tension. As can be appreciated, retainers 110 and 112 havenow been moved adjacent the covering member 104 but not yet in theirfully distal securement position. Note this delivery method distributesthe force, e.g. reduces the load on the covering member 104.

Continued proximal movement of delivery device 10 applies sufficienttension on suture 120 so engagement member 129 overrides bump 34 andcontinues its travel through longitudinal opening 20 and intolongitudinal opening 22 until it engages bump 38 of longitudinal opening22 as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 9A. This moves retainer 112 furtherdistally toward covering member 104 to tighten retainer 112 with respectto covering member 104. Note engagement member 131 continues toward bump36.

Continued proximal movement as shown in FIG. 10 pulls suture 122proximally, out of longitudinal opening 24 and into longitudinal opening26, until engagement member 131 engages bump 36. Projection 129 hasovercome engagement with bump 34. Further movement of suture 122 movesretainer 110 further distally toward covering member 14, therebytightening retainer 110 with respect to covering member 104, securingthe covering member 104 in position. Note the extent of movement of theretainers 110, 112 toward the covering member 104, i.e. the finaldistance between the retainers 110 and 112 and between the retainers110, 112 and covering member 104, will depend on the thickness of thepatient's tissue.

With placement of the retainers 110 and 112 within the tissue tractleading to the vessel opening (but outside the vessel opening), thesutures 122, 124 are now severed automatically by the cutting blade 60of delivery device 10. This is illustrated in FIGS. 11-13.

As the delivery device 10 is pulled further proximally, engagementmembers 129, 131 and sutures 120, 122 exit from openings 22, 26,respectively, of housing 16 and enter channels 48 and 50 of channelhousing 40. As delivery device 10 is retracted and sutures 120 and 122are retracted, engagement members 129, 131 drop within longitudinalportions 48 a and 50 a, with the sutures 120, 122 remaining above theseportions 48 a, 48 b to contact edge 66 of cutting blade 60 to sever thesutures 120, 122 as shown in FIG. 13. Note engagement members 129, 131can float inside the channel because they are no longer in tension. Thesutures 120, 122 can be further tightened and then trimmed by thesurgeon to be flush with the patient's skin.

While the above description contains many specifics, those specificsshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure,but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Thoseskilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that arewithin the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined by the claimsappended hereto.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A method of delivering a vascular hole closuredevice to a vessel, the method comprising: providing a vascular holeclosure device having a covering member, a first retainer and a secondretainer; providing a delivery instrument containing the first retainerand second retainer; inserting a distal portion of the deliveryinstrument into the vessel; placing the covering member inside thevessel; and moving the delivery instrument proximally in a directionaway from the placed covering member to initially advance the firstretainer toward the covering member and subsequently advance the secondretainer toward the covering member.
 25. The method of claim 24, whereincontinued movement of the delivery instrument proximally in a directionaway from the covering member further advances the first retainer towardthe covering member after the second retainer is advanced toward thecovering member.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the covering memberis positioned within the delivery instrument during insertion and thestep of placing the covering member inside the vessel includes the stepof exposing the covering member from the delivery instrument forplacement inside the vessel.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein thecovering member pivots from a more longitudinally aligned positionwithin the delivery instrument to a transverse position inside thevessel.
 28. The method of claim 24, wherein the first retainer isconnected to a first flexible connecting member and the second retaineris connected to a second flexible connecting member, and furthercontinued proximal movement of the delivery instrument severs the firstand second flexible connecting members.
 29. The method of claim 28,wherein the covering member, first and second retainers and first andsecond flexible connecting members are composed of a resorbable materialand left in a body of a patient for resorption.
 30. The method of claim25, wherein the first retainer is connected to a first flexibleconnecting member and the second retainer is connected to a secondflexible connecting member, and further continued proximal movement ofthe delivery instrument severs the first and second flexible connectingmembers.
 31. The method of claim 24, wherein the delivery instrumentincludes a cutting member positioned therein.
 32. The method of claim28, wherein the delivery instrument includes a first channel and asecond channel, and the first flexible connecting member moves in thefirst channel and the second flexible connecting member moves in thesecond channel.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the deliveryinstrument includes a first distal opening at the first channel and asecond distal opening at the second channel, the first flexibleconnecting member extending through the first distal opening and thesecond flexible connecting member extending through the second distalopening.
 34. The method of claim 28, wherein the first retainer isfixedly attached to the first flexible connecting member at a firstportion and the second retainer is fixedly attached to the secondflexible connecting member at a second portion such that proximalmovement of a third portion of the first flexible connecting memberadvances the first retainer toward the covering member and proximalmovement of a fourth portion of the second flexible connecting memberadvances the second retainer toward the covering member.
 35. The methodof claim 24, wherein the covering member against a wall of the vesselapplies a counterforce to effect advancement of the first and secondretainers toward the covering member.
 36. The method of claim 24,wherein movement of the delivery instrument proximally in a directionaway from the covering member causes sequential engagement withengagement members within the delivery instrument.
 37. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the first and second retainers are placed external ofthe vessel.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the extent ofadvancement of the first and second retainers is dependent on athickness of tissue external of the vessel.
 39. The method of claim 24,wherein the first and second retainers are in a stacked relationshipwithin the delivery instrument.
 40. A method of delivering a vascularhole closure device to a vessel in a body of a patient, the methodcomprising: providing a vascular hole closure device having a coveringmember, a first retainer fixed to a first connecting member and a secondretainer fixed to a second connecting member; providing a deliveryinstrument containing a cutting member, the first and second retainers,and the first and second connecting members; inserting a distal portionof the delivery instrument into the vessel; placing the covering memberin the body of the patient; and moving the delivery instrumentproximally in a direction away from the placed covering member, whereinthe step of moving the delivery instrument proximally causes severing ofthe first and second connecting members by the cutting member.
 41. Themethod of claim 40, wherein the step of moving the delivery instrumentproximally advances the first retainer and the second retainer towardthe covering member.
 42. The method of claim 40, wherein the step ofmoving the delivery instrument proximally initially advances the firstretainer toward the covering member and subsequently advances the secondretainer toward the covering member.